UPSC Mains Question Paper Download PDFs 

The UPSC Mains examination is a pivotal stage in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) process. Known for its depth and rigor, the Mains examination evaluates aspirants on a range of competencies, including analytical ability, critical thinking, and subject-specific knowledge. The UPSC Mains question papers are structured to test not just rote learning but the aspirant’s overall intellectual capacity and ability to articulate ideas effectively.

Overview of UPSC Mains Question Paper

The UPSC Mains examination consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers and seven merit-based papers. The structure of the question papers is designed to assess a candidate’s grasp of diverse topics such as Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Ethics, and more. Here is a breakdown of the papers:

Qualifying Papers:

• Paper A: Any Indian language (as per the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution)
• Paper B: English

Merit-Based Papers:

• Essay Paper (Paper I): Focuses on evaluating the aspirant’s ability to present ideas coherently.
• General Studies (GS) Papers (Papers II to V): Cover a wide range of subjects, including Polity, Economy, Science, and Ethics.
• Optional Subject Papers (Papers VI and VII): Allow candidates to demonstrate expertise in a subject of their choice.

Download Previous Years UPSC Mains Question Papers

Below is a list of UPSC Mains question papers for recent years. Click on the links to download the papers for each subject.

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